St. Peter’s United Church of Christ and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Northampton, have recently welcomed the Rev. Joel Biggers to serve as pastor of both churches.

Biggers has been in ministry for 23 years, following his graduation from San Diego State University and Methodist Theological School of Ohio. He has served in a campus ministry position as well as multiple congregations throughout his career.

Both UCC congregations will share his ministry in the Northampton area. When asked about the challenges of two churches, Biggers said, “Sundays are really very busy days, but once you get the service timing worked out, things work very well.”

Biggers looks forward to serving both congregations, who enjoy his personality and leadership style, he said.

The concept of shared ministry, which was common well into the mid-20th century, is really coming back as churches throughout the country struggle to retain membership and face a shortage of qualified candidates for open pulpits across many denominations.

Biggers conducts worship at 9 a.m. at St. Peter’s UCC, 8143 Valley View Road, Seemsville (East Allen Township) and 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s UCC, 105 E. 19th St., Northampton Borough. Both services are available on YouTube through their respective websites.